Oadby Owls

Whetstone Juniors 2 Oadby Owls Tawnys 1 – 29th January 2012 (League)

First game of the New Year was at Whetstone. A cold and frosty morning, with a hard and boggy pitch wasn’t going to suit our game, but we had beaten them well earlier in the season, so were confident of a result.

Kick off and the opening exchanges were about even. But as the game progressed, we were making more errors-missed passes, short passes, and miss-communication between players. We were struggling to establish any kind of rhythm. Lewis had a couple of half chances, but we were snatching at opportunities, rather than composing ourselves in front of goal. It was from one of our attacks that led to a breakaway goal for Whetstone. A missed kick resulted in the ball going straight to the Whetstone forward who was able to break, and despite our keeper sprinting off his line and getting a hand on the shot, he was unable to keep Whetstone shot from ending up in the back of the net.

Unfortunately worse was to come. A back pass to the keeper feel well short and was intercepted by the Whetstone striker who slotted the ball past Adam to make 2-0.

Half Time 2-0

Second half and we would have to play much better-and we did. If only we had played like this in the first half. Eric and Thomas were linking up particularly well, laying off balls to each other, and then moving quickly into space in anticipation of a return pass. Our goal had a touch of good fortune about it. Will let loose a shot from the edge of the box, that was adjudged to have struck the hand of the Whetstone defender. Jaipal stepped up to slot the ball home to make it 2-1.

We were on top now, and a second goal looked likely. One notable attack saw Lewis down the right getting a cross into Jaipal, who pulled the ball back for Eric who looked certain to score, but his hurried and scuffed shot crept agonisingly wide of the post. Lewis was particularly unlucky, not to have his goal count. He picked up the ball in the Whetstone half and unleashed a shot that was to powerful for the keeper-however the ref blew his whistle prematurely and judged that Lewis had been fouled in the build up – and awarded a free kick instead- which came to nothing.

We continued to press, but couldn’t find the equaliser. A disappointing result, but the second half performance was encouraging, and we didn’t deserve to lose. Unfortunately we paid the price for two self inflicted errors in the first half, which resulted in two Whetstone goals. A bit more composure on the ball and particularly in the box are the requirements for the next game.

Player of the Day: Eric – good running, good passing and nearly scored

Goals Scorers: Jaipal (pen)

Rugby Pumas 1 Oadby Owls Tawnys 1 – 13th November 2011 (League)

Away game at Rugby, saw us with a full squad for a change. With Eric and Will on the bench for the first half. Kick off and it was clear early on that this was going to be a tough game. Rugby moved the ball well, and seemed to find time and space. We were definitely on the backfoot, and when we did attack, and then lose the ball, we struggled to get our shape back to defend.

But for all of Rugbys good play, they only created one clear cut chance. Their attacker found himself completely unmarked, and ran through on goal, rounded the keeper but delayed his shot-this was enough for Ben to get in a tackle to clear the danger. The closest we came to scoring came from a rasping shot by Lewis which crashed against the woodwork.

Half Time 0-0

Second half and Will and Eric came on, and Lewis and Rian came off. A much brighter start to the second half, we managed to get the ball wide and Eric and Will were able to work the flanks alot better than the first half. Our passing was more accurate and we seemed calmer on the ball. It was this period of play which led to the first goal. Ben had a free kick near the half way line, and decided to shoot! The shot was initially saved by the keeper, but he could’nt hold on to the ball, and Jaipal poked the ball into the net.

Rugby came back at us, but we were holding our own, and dealing with any attacks- most were long range shots- dealt with comfortably by Adam. However on one such occasion a Rugby attack resulted in confusion and a mad scramble in the box, we just couldn’t seem to clear the ball despite numerous attempts-resulting in the ball being poked over the line to make it 1-1.

We could have nicked it in the end when Lewis was sent clear and he hit a decent shot but the keeper made a good save. All in all a fair result.

Player of the Day: Alex – solid and calm at the back

Goals Scorers: Jaipal

Oadby Owls Tawnys 3 Harborough Town 1 – 6th November 2011 (League)

We’ve hit a good run of form, so we were feeling confident and looking to another good win to consolidate our top of the table position. We also finally have a goalkeeper, so a warm welcome to Adam. Kick –off, and it was an unexpected and uncharacteristic start to the game. Harborough settled quicker then us, and were bringing the game to us. We were struggling to get the ball, and when we did, couldn’t string two passes together.

Har’boro were pinning us back, and Will especially was a busy boy at the back, and it was no surprise when they took the lead, although the goal itself was fortunate, with an attempted clearance from a cross, resulting in an own goal. As the half progressed we got into the game more. The best chances falling to Eric whose shot/cross hit the post, and Lewis – who just couldn’t quite connect with a ball that fell in front of him from a corner.

Half Time 0-1

So second half got underway, and whatever was said at the half time team talk certainly worked and delivered instant results. Lewis found some space on the right hand wing, and crossed for Thomas, whos shot hit the outside of the post, and just when we thought the chance had gone, – credit to Eric who reacted first and slid in to put the ball into the net from a tight angle.

Our tails were up and we were pressurising Harboro alot more than the first half. The second goal came almost immediately. Jaipal intercepted a Harboro pass, sprinted down the right, and crossed for Thomas to shoot past the keeper. As with previous matches we were now pushing forward to try and get more goals, which meant we were taking a few risks at the back. On one particular occasion Will sprinted back to make a last ditch tackle to deny Harborough. However we were creating opportunites, with Lewis having a couple of chances, but slicing his shots wide. The Harborough keeper was struggling with his kicking, and on more than one occasion Thomas was quick to intercept any loose balls, and this led to our third goal. He intercepted a pass out to a defender and slotted the ball past the keeper despite him getting a hand to the ball.

So a game of two halves, one bad and one good, but another win and a promising debut from our new keeper.

Player of the Day: Thomas – two goals and hit the woodwork

Goals Scorers: Thomas (2) and Eric

Beaumont Panthers 0 Oadby Owls Tawnys 3 – 30th October 2011 (League)

Away game at Panthers on a soggy and muddy pitch. Kick off and a lively start with Alex having an early chance, with a shot from a tight angle, hitting the side netting. The combination of Lewis and Eric on the wings was working well, with both delivering dangerous crosses into the box for Will & Ben to try and score.

The first goal came from an Eric corner – delivered with pace into the box, which caused confusion in the Panthers box and Will got a touch to score. Although we were dominating the possession, there were instances of getting caught on the break. One such break resulted in a shot saved by Jaipal with his legs, and another shot hitting the angle of the goal. However our possession did pay off, with Lewis once again getting a great cross in for Will to score.

Half Time 2-0

Second half and Thomas comes on for Ben, and Lewis replaces Jaipal in goal. We got an early free kick on the edge of the box, which Jaipal chipped over the wall, but was turned over the bar by the Panthers keeper.

We saved the best till last. With the third goal, a great example of defence to attack and moving the ball quickly. A ball was played out of defence by Rian to Jaipal, who passed to Will, whose cross into the box was met first time by Thomas to slot it into the net. A great move getting what it deserved. We continued to press, but no further goals. A great away win to put us top of the table.

Player of the Day: Will – always looking for the ball and great energy

Goals Scorers: Will (2) and Thomas

Oadby Owls Tawnys 5 Whetstone Oaks 0 – 9th October 2011 (League)

This week sees our lads welcome Whetstone Oaks to Coombe Park and having put our last disappointing result behind us we have a real chance of putting things right today and getting back to winning ways.  Again we find ourselves down to a bare seven as Jaipal is out injured due to an accident, so hopefully we will have no injuries today.  So on with kick off and from the start a lovely ball is passed out to Lewis down the right wing which he dribbled in and hit a right foot thunder bolt just wide, from that point the Whetstone lads came at us and started to play and with the wind behind them they seemed to have the advantage, resulting in one or two fine shots at our goal, which were saved fantastically by today’s keeper Will – keeping the opposition out.  After a few minutes the Tawnys seemed to calm it down a bit and started to play some fantastic football and it wasn’t long before they broke the deadlock, the ball was picked up in midfield by Eric, only to be passed out to Lewis on the right wing, who then ran into the Whetstone Half, and swung in a perfect cross which somehow went straight through their defence and into the bottom corner of the goal.  1 – 0 Oadby.

Whetstone then kicked off but soon lost possession again in our half and the ball again was picked up by Lewis, who hit it from nearly half way and it flew towards the Whetstone goal bouncing just before the unfortunate keeper and over his head and into the goal, 2 – 0 Oadby.  From then on we seemed to control the game for most of the first half but got caught right at the end of the first half by Whetstone who ran the ball right into our penalty box, which resulted in one of our boys giving away a penalty for a bad tackle.  So up steps the Whetstone Penalty taker who strikes the ball perfectly but the penalty is saved brilliantly by our stand in keeper Will, and just after that the ref blows for half time.

On with the second half and both sides came out attacking but the Tawnys seemed to keep possession and were playing some really nice football and some fantastic movement off the ball, and linking up brilliantly this resulting in the third goal, the ball was rolled out quickly by Will to Rian who then passed it into midfield to Ben and then out to Lewis who nipped it by one of their lads and pinged it into the Whetstone box only to find Eric who smashed the ball past their Keeper, great move and 3 – 0 Oadby.

Again Whetstone came at us but every time they had a shot it was saved by the brilliant Will, who then every time rolled the ball out to defenders Alex or Rian quickly so we could counter attack which resulted in the fourth goal, again the ball came from Will to Alex who switched back to Rian who then played the ball into Ben, who passed back to Rian who then drilled the ball from about 20 yards into the Whetstone net, 4 – 0 Oadby.

Again and again the Tawnys passed the ball around sweetly but sometimes seemed to lose their shape a bit as they got more hungry for goals, but shown us how good they can pass the ball and link up especially down the wings, where Lewis was on fire and was turning the Whetstone midfield inside out most of the time, the rest of the time getting clattered by a Whetstone defender as did Ben and Rian.  Into the last few minutes and Lewis seemed to get more eager to get his first hatrick of the season but only to be denied two or three times by Whetstones  keeper who pulled off some remarkable saves, but could not do anything about the fifth goal which came from a fine pass from Eric, who then passed to Ben who went on the attack only to be closed down and having to play the ball out to Lewis  who then whipped in another fantastic cross which was then cleared half hearted by Whetsones defence and went straight to the left boot of Tom Staples who drilled the ball straight into the Whetstone net giving Tom his reward for working his socks off, 5 – 0 Oadby, then one minute later final whistle goes.  Great result lads and well deserved today, all seven of you were fantastic.

Next up: Beaumont Panthers.

Player of the Day: Lewis – scored two, set two up and was a constant menace on the right

Goals Scorers: Lewis (2), Eric, Rian and Tom

Aylestone Park 5 Oadby Owls Tawnys 0 – 25th September 2011 (League)

Well 3^rd league game of the season and we are on our travels away to Aylestone Park Youth who are sitting top of our division with us on the same points in second. So with a bare squad of seven with no subs and still no keeper we knew we would have a tough game against a good side, so on with the game and right from the 1^st kick Aylestone came at us with all guns blazing and it wasn’t long before they got their breakthrough and their 1^st goal after a poor clearance was made only to fall straight at the feet of one of their boys who hit the ball goal-bound which looked to be heading straight at another one of their boys but he let the ball run through his legs which caught an unfortunate Alex out and rolled into our net ! 1-0 Aylestone.

After that our lads seemed to start to play a bit better and started to pass the ball around with more passion and certainly looked to have woken up !  But just could not seem to pin them into their half, thus resulting in the second goal, again Aylestone came back at us with some lovely passing and great movement off the ball, which finally resulted in the ball being crossed which once again was poorly cleared into the path of one of their boys who then drilled the ball from about twenty yards out leaving poor Alex no chance at all.  2 – 0 Aylestone.  Two mins later and thankfully the first half finished at 2 – 0.

On with the second half and we seemed to start the half ok with some neat ball play going out on to the wings to Thomas who did really well but unfortunately did not have the support which meant the ball coming straight back at us and before long Aylestone were 3 up.  This defiantly seemed to knock the stuffing out of our boys, and it wasn’t long before the 4^th goal came and then the 5^th goal coming right at the end.    Unfortunately today we have had a lesson in football by a very good team who we would have normally matched but today we just did not turn up.

On a positive note lets put it behind us, learn from it, and pick ourselves up and lets look forward to putting it right on the pitch in the next game.

Player of the Day: Thomas Staples – some fine footwork and he never stopped running

Goals Scorers: N/A

Oadby Owls Tawnys 3 Rugby Pumas 1 – 18th September 2011 (League)

Second game of the new season and another home game. Still no regular goal keeper, so honours were shared between Ben and Eric respectively.

So kick off, we settled well and made some promising moves into Rugby’s half, we were dominating possession, so hopefully that would translate into goals, although Ben did pull off a fantastic save from a snap shot from Rugby to keep it goalless.

An early corner from the left hand side found Alex in the box, but he shot wide. We were working the corners well, with some great deliveries into the box by Thomas and Eric respectively. It was one of these corners that led to the first goal. Eric delivered a corner to the front post, Lewis made sure he was the first to the ball with a first time shot past the keeper. Well worked and well deserved. Unfortunately the lead did not last long. A Rugby attack resulted in a lofted ball into the box, which the keeper did well to save but failed to hold onto the ball, which found its way to Rugby player who slotted the ball into the net. So all square at half time.

Half Time 1-1.

Second half, saw Will come on as a sub, Eric go into goal, and Ben on the wing. The half started in much the way as the first, with Oadby attacking and Rugby defending well. Ben with his pace gave us an extra option in attack. It was important to keep our shape and not get carried away with chasing the next goal.

The second goal came from another corner, this time the ball found Lewis at the far post, who bought down the ball and fired in to claim his and Oadby’s second, despite a suspicion of handball.

Rugby stepped up to try and equalise, but we hung on, with Lewis, Will, and Alex making some timely challenges to thwart their attacks. This meant we could play on the break, and hopefully catch Rugby short at the back. As a Rugby attack broke down, Jaipal was able to bring the ball out into the Rugby half. His pass out to the left found Thomas, who played a great pass into the path of Ben whose run into the box and shot were perfectly timed to make it 3-1, and make the game safe.

A great result and every player played their part and had a good game.

MOM – Lewis – scored two, defended well, and show good commitment- what more could you ask for!

Player of the Day: Lewis

Goals Scorers: Lewis (2) and Ben

Oadby Owls Tawnys 0 Cosby Cruisers 2 – 11th September 2011 (County Cup)

Today saw the first round of the county cup at coombe park with Cosby cruisers visiting us in horrible windy conditions that were going to be difficult for any team. So on with kick off and on with the 1^st half which saw us playing against  the wind with Rian in goal as we are still without a goalkeeper!  As we started our boys definitely looked up for the game as they linked up some fantastic passing right from the start but as quick as we got forward the cosby defence cleared the ball which naturally with the wind came flying back into our half with cosbys forwards giving chase and leaving Will, Alex and Ben to do a lot of chasing and cleaning up to do until finally they got there breakthrough.  We put the ball out resulting in a cosby corner, naturally the corner was swung in with the wind which caught us out as cosby poked the ball into our net,1-0 cosby.  As we kicked off again the lads seemed to pick themselves up and just get on with it and again started to play some really nice football with fantastic movement and link play especially between Jaipal, Tom and Eric in the cosby half, but we just could not punish the cosby keeper who seemed to be at the top of his game. Again we got forward with shots from Thomas, Ben and Jaipal being palmed away by the cosby  keeper.

HALF TIME 0-1

Second half and a couple of changes saw Lewis on for Jaipal and Will go in goal giving Rian second half on pitch .An even better start seen us again with some fantastic passing and moving especially down the flanks with some great crosses from the left and the right as the lads kept pushing forward with a lot of possession and more great shots from Lewis, Ben, Thomas and Eric but again the cosby keeper came to the rescue and just as we started to dominate the game we got caught as cosby cleared the ball straight over the top of our defence resulting in the cosby forward drilling the ball past Will who could not have done anymore to stop it, 2 shots from cosby and 2 goals ! 2-0 cosby.  The last few minutes saw an end to Eric’s fantastic contribution as he went off injured, making way for Jaipal to come back on.  Again we had all the possession but were just not clinical enough in front of the cosby goal as again some great shots from Jaipal, Lewis, Ben, Thomas and Rian were dealt with the cosby Keeper.  Again and again we pressed forward but just could not capitalise in the final quarter.  At the end of the day we may have lost the match but a lot of positives can be taken from this game, as the passing and link play was very good at times.

Well done boys, lets put it behind us and focus on next week.

Player of the Day: Alex Holden

Goals Scorers: N/A

Oadby Owls Tawnys 2 Blaby Wildcats 1 – 4th September 2011 (League)

First game of the new season saw a much changed Oadby Owls Tawnys team. Alot of new players have come into the team, with only 3 of the original team left. It was going to be interesting to see how the team would gel and play in their first competitive match of the season. As yet no regular goal keeper, so honours were shared between Eric and Will respectively.

So kick off, and a promising start. Some nice interplay and movement but the final ball was lacking, however the players showed commitment, and were quick to close down the opposition.

Jaipal had an opportunity early on. Breaking down the right hand side and shooting, but the keeper made the save. Another chance also fell to Jaipal, this time on the left. A short corner to Rian, was returned to Jaipal, who feigned to cross the ball, but instead turned the defender and ran across the byline and tried to squeeze the ball between the keeper and post, but his shot smacked the post.

Half Time 0-0.

Second half, and hopefully the passing would be sharper, and played on the ground alot more. The first goal came soon after and helped settle the players. Lewis received the ball on the edge of the box, and despite having time and space infront of him, decided to shoot. The shot didn’t have much power, and looked like it was going to be easily dealt with by the keeper, but it managed to fool the keeper and the ball went through the keepers hands to make it 1-0.

This gave the players and supporters more confidence, which led to the second goal. Jaipal received the ball on the right, he cut in, beat 2 players and curled the ball with the outside of his foot to Thomas, on the left edge of the box. He took one touch to put himself infront of goal, and fired high past the Blaby keeper. With their confidence up, it seemed a question of how many. Both Lewis and Rian had chances, but we were leaving ourselves open at the back, and on a number of occasions got caught on the break. Fortunately they couldn’t capitalise on their chances. We needed to keep our shape, and players needed to provide cover if one of the defenders went forward, hopefully this will come with more experience. Blaby did put in a number of dangerous corners and Will made some decent saves. They did manage to pull one back. A clearance found a Blaby player, who lofted the ball back into the box, it found a Blaby player who calmly side volleyed the ball into the net. This led to a nervous finish, but we held on.

A pleasing start, with the players still finding their feet, and their roles within the team. Roll on next week, and our first cup game.

Player of the Day: Jaipal

Goals Scorers: Lewis and Thomas

Team Notices

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